THE first headteacher of the new Isambard Kingdom Brunel (IKB) Primary School being built on the Longforth Farm estate in Wellington has been appointed.

And prospective parents will have the chance to meet Richard Healey at two Meet the Headteacher events in the town next week.

Richard has worked in three schools in Bristol, beginning his career as a class teacher, and most recently as headteacher of Perry Court E-ACT Academy for the past three years.

In his role at Perry Court he has helped take the school from the lowest performing primary school in Bristol in 2017 to the highest performing primary school in the city in 2020. The school was also nominated for the prestigious 2019 Tes Primary School of the Year award along the way.

The new IKB primary headteacher and executive primary headteacher said: “It is my aim to translate these experiences and successes to my new role at IKB, and to ensure that we provide outstanding opportunities for learning and personal, social and emotional development.

“Therefore we are not only readying our children for the next stage of their educational journey but also ensuring they become local, national and global citizens who will go on to positively contribute to the communities and the world that they are a part of.”

Richard is a sports fan, as a participant and spectator. He also loves to explore the outdoors and is keen for the children at IKB to do the same. Richard said: “Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom and I truly believe in lifelong learning.”

Richard officially starts work on Monday, April 20, although lots of preparation is going on behind the scenes already. Building work is on time for completion and the school will be open, as planned, for the new intake in September.

Sarah Watson, chief executive of The Castle Partnership Trust, of which IKB is part, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Richard to The Castle Partnership Trust. The passion, expertise and positivity he has will undoubtedly mean the children at IKB will thrive under his leadership. We have a very strong leadership team across our trust schools and their collective skills and knowledge is a powerful combination that will benefit all our children.”

The ‘Meet the Headteacher’ events are at Wellington Baptist Church Hall on Thursday, March 26, at 9.30am and 6pm – they are aimed at prospective parents with children starting school in September 2020. Anyone who would like to attend should book a place by email at [email protected] or phone Victoria Hawkins on 01823 274073.